PSG Takes Narrow Lead Against Arsenal in Champions League Semifinal

PARIS, France — Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on May 7, 2025, thanks to a stunning goal from Fabián Ruiz.

Fabián’s strike came in the 27th minute, following a well-executed play that saw him receive the ball just outside the box. He controlled it nicely, powered a shot past Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya, and found the bottom corner of the net, sending the Parc des Princes into a frenzy.

The match kicked off with Arsenal applying relentless pressure, dominating possession early on. They came close to scoring several times, with standout performances from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who both created multiple opportunities in the first half.

Arsenal’s early dominance was evident as they maintained over 51% of the ball during the opening 15 minutes. However, despite their efforts, they struggled to convert chances into goals. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta expressed concern as his team wasted crucial opportunities.

PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma showcased exceptional skills, making several key saves to deny Arsenal, including a remarkable stop from a powerful shot by Martin Ødegaard in the opening minutes.

With the scoreline favoring the home team, both sides prepared for the second half, where Arsenal would need to take more risks to level the tie and continue their quest for their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.

As the match progressed, tensions rose on the pitch with several fouls and yellow cards issued, including one to Arsenal’s Declan Rice for a dangerous tackle. The physical nature of the game reflected the stakes, with both teams keen to secure a place in the final.

The second leg of the semifinal will take place at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will aim to overturn the deficit and make history by reaching the final after a long absence.